Decoding

= Decoding =

Decoding is the process of determining the correct position of components in a lock through manipulation, disassembly, measurement, and observation of keys or lock components. While it does not necessarily open the lock, decoding provides the information necessary to create a working key. In this respect, decoding is the middle ground between lockpicking and impressioning techniques.

Decoding techniques are quite varied and leave a wide range of forensic evidence. Most lock-centric decoding techniques are considered covert because of the invasive manipulation required. In contrast, most key-centric techniques are forms of surreptitious entry because they focus on observation and measurement.

History
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Manipulation
Decoding via manipulation focuses on analysis of the locking components to determine their correct positions. Most forms of manipulation are invasive and use specialized tools to gather diagnostic information from individual locking components.


 * Some lockpicking tools, namely axial/tubular picks and the Sputnik tool, automatically decode the lock while it is being picked.
 * Impressioning, in a general sense, is a form of manipulation-based decoding that directly produces a working key.

Visual
Visual observation of a key or lock allows for various forms of decoding:


 * Observation of the key's bitting pattern. This process is known as "sight-reading" a key.
 * Observation of the key's bitting codes on the bow. Can also be used to identify the keyway of a lock.

In the case of colored lock components, a borescope or similar tool may be used to look inside the lock and determine component positions. Many pin-tumbler locks use colors to symbolize different bottom pin sizes.

In wafer locks, a borescope or similar tool can be used to look at the position of each wafer as it rests in the lock.

In lever locks, a borescope or similar tool can be used to look at the shape of each lever, but requires that a secondary tool (a key) be used to move other levers out of the way.

Radiological
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